Low Monroe – the nom de plume of multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Sergi – has just released a deliciously dark slice of gothic fuzz in the form of ‘Deviant Hotline’. With reverb-soaked, scything guitars and a rhythm section that prowls like a ravenous wolf, the track has a late night/early morning sleazy nightclub vibe filled with excess and bacchanalia, full of worn regret and a dissolute debauchery. Peering through a distorted glass filled with absinthe and desire, it’s a gothic apparition dressed in red velvet finery that seduces you and leaves you gasping.
Low Monroe says:
‘Deviant Hotline’ was a song that I had such clear direction for story-wise. It was definitely an aesthetically driven song. It follows a modern vampire, lurking from landline to landline, with the intent to feed. However, one voice catches them by surprise, and levels of infatuation grow that conflict with hunger-related urges.
It certainly whets the appetite for anyone who enjoys a little Gun Club, a dash of The Cramps and the theatrical flourish of Kid Congo and the Pink Moneybirds: all arched eyebrows, high heels and leather with lace. Something delicious to sink your fangs into.
Low Monroe has gathered a band – The Fugitives – to deliver his evocative visions and he says of the writing process for the new track:
Instrumentally, I wanted to compose a moody goth piece that had a slight glimmer of hope. I co-wrote the song with Fugitive band member Daniel “Daz” Motta. For a moment I was pretty stagnate with the song, I was struggling to write something satisfactory on guitar. I usually write everything on my own for my individual releases, but Daz came up with a catchy line that drastically elevated the song.
The accompanying video is a suitably fuzzy apparition all bleached in blood red colours as Low Monroe is louche and insouciant in his performance:
‘Deviant Hotline’ is out today and can be downloaded and streamed via all the usual suspects and here.
You can catch Low Monroe with The Fugitives launching the single this week for free in Naarm/Melbourne – details below.
Low Monroe & The Fugitives ‘Deviant Hotline’ launch:
The Retreat Hotel – Thursday 20th February with support from Sweatshop.
Low Monroe is – Mark Sergi (vocals, keys, sax) and The Fugitives are – Daniel Motta (guitar) Jake Hohaia (bass) Finn Smith (drums)
